Bilbao city guide 2017 ENG

S A N S E B A S T I Á N

C I T Y B R E A K G E TA WAY S

B A S Q U E C O U N T RY

Z U R R I O L A

a q u a r i u m

San Sebastián is also renowned for its celebrations and sporting events. One of the most important to mention in August is the Semana Grande (Great Week), which promises a week of fireworks set against an unbeatable backdrop. Turning to sports, a few events that stand out are the cycling classic, San Sebastián- San Sebastián, the Behobia-San Sebastián marathon and fishing boat rowing race, the Bandera de La Concha.

No visit to the city is complete without a trip to the Aquarium. A pioneer of marine studies, its biggest attraction is the oceanarium which boasts a 360º transparent viewing tunnel as well as 37 separate aquariums, which all together give you the chance to get up close to 5,000 fish. Be sure not to miss the real whale skeleton, one of the last to be caught off the coast of Guipuzcoa.

Surfing just 50 metres away from the centre

If you are a keen swimmer, you can get from Ondarreta to Santa Clara across the 300 metre stretch with a few energetic strokes. If you'd rather relax, there are special water terraces equipped with sunbeds and water slides. Make the most of your time in the city of sport and wellbeing. The facilities at La Perla have sessions of thalassotherapy on offer as well as beauty and therapeutic treatments. In the waters of Zurriola Beach, there are surfing courses available for you to learn to catch a few waves on a surfboard or bodyboard. Whatever time of the year, you can be sure to find great waves on this beach that has become a focal point in the Atlantic Championships.

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The Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea

Take a relaxing stroll along the shore from La Concha Beach to Ondarreta, around the foot of Mount Igueldo. From there, take the original funicular railway that has been running since its launch in 1912. Enjoy an unbeatable view from the top of Mount Igueldo: El Peine del Viento by Chillida and the views of the city and the Basque coastline.

t h a l a s s o t h e r a p y

www.basquecountrytourism.net

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